Borderless nature and science. Opportunities and challenges of transboundary conservation: A role for science?

Abstract

Transboundary conservation can be one of the solutions to face the global biodiversity loss. It has the potential to implement conservation measures that respect nature’s borders rather than administrative borders introduced by man. A proposition for a coastal transboundary conservation area between Tanzania and Kenya (pTBCA) is currently on the table, since 2015, but has not yet been implemented. Knowledge gaps are sometimes flagged as being one of the main causes of a stagnant situation. We investigated the feasibility of the pTBCA’s implementation, the potential benefits and challenges resulting from it, as well as the role of scientific data in support for the proposed TBCA, through a mixed-method research design (interviews, surveys and questionnaire). The results reveal that the current situation is rather favourable to the implementation of the pTBCA. The potential benefits that could arise from the pTBCA are numerous. Yet, potential challenges have also been highlighted, and several matters have to be discussed and agreed upon prior to its implementation. While science provides a valuable knowledge base for scientific arguments regarding the implementation of the pTBCA, exclusively scientific arguments might not be enough. In addition, knowledge gaps appeared as an outdated excuse for inaction. Multiple factors can constrain progress, the most urgent one being the lack of effective communication between Science and Policy spheres. The research concludes that science and ecology could be used as a common ground, but only if other arguments, economic, social, political, are combined to it.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English
Sponsors	VLIR - UOS